‘Feral’ chickens nightmare for neighbour
AN Auckland homeowner has filed a fresh complaint to the Auckland Council claiming his neighbour’s chickens have gone feral and continue to cause a nightmare, even though the property has been sold.
Chao Su (82), of Glen Eden, first filed a complaint in February last year about his neighbour having more than 100 chickens — with some roosters ‘‘taller than dogs’’ — that were causing a nuisance on his property.
The Auckland Council’s compliance response and investigations manager, Kerri Fergusson, said council staff had been working on the issue since it was brought to their attention and have ‘‘decreased the number of fowl at the site dramatically’’ to about four or five.
However, Mr Su said many others had gone feral and appeared only during the evenings and at dawn, and have managed to keep out of sight of council officers.
In his latest complaint to the council this week, Mr Su said these chickens blocked cars on the main road and defecated on neighbouring properties.
‘‘It attracts flies which invade the neighbour’s courtyard, bedroom, and kitchen,’’ he said.
‘‘I wanted to sell my house a few years ago to escape, but when I listed my house, many buyers came and were put off. The three real estate agents who helped me to sell the house said noone wanted to buy a chicken farmer’s house.’’
Mr Su said even though his neighbour had managed to sell his property, he did not take his chickens away.
‘‘The chickens are still roaming around in the yard. They continue to be a nuisance and health hazard to the neighbours,’’ he said.
Mr Su said he was seeking compensation of $1 million from the former neighbour because the chickens had made it impossible for him to sell his own house.
Under current council bylaws, urban properties smaller than 2000sq m can have just six chickens while larger ones can have 12.
Mr Su’s neighbour’s property in Great North Rd is under 2000sq m.
Ms Fergusson said the council had worked with the former tenant to ensure he sold off his chickens and ducks, and confirmed that they have now moved.
‘‘We visited the property again on Monday afternoon and did not find any fowl at the site, although because they are wild, the small number we have estimated may still be in the area,’’ she said.
‘‘The property is now vacant and has recently been sold. It is due to be demolished in the next couple of months.’’
The building had been deemed unsafe and there was a ‘‘dangerous building notice’’ over it.
‘‘We are working with the new owner to ensure they upgrade the hoardings around the site to make sure noone can get access to it in the meantime,’’ Ms Fergusson added.